Remembering Finn Gallagher RIP

There has been great sadness in Hot Press these past few days, hearing of the sudden death of Finn Gallagher.

Finn's funeral took place this morning in St. Agatha’s Church, Clar, in Donegal. “Our darling boy is gone,” his father Zak said in a Facebook post, that generated hundreds of tributes.

Finn was a Hot Press student representative and had made a huge impression on members of the wider Hot Press team.

"We are heartbroken in Hot Press to hear the desperately sad news about Finn,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. "He was a truly lovely young man, who was a great representative for Hot Press, and always threw himself into things in a wonderful, warm, generous and positive spirit. It was a real pleasure working with him and having him as part of our team at events.

"Finn was enormously popular with the wider Hot Press family. He was also very talented. In addition to his ability as a musician, which impressed so many people, he wrote a lovely piece for us last year about life as a student. We thought very highly of him, in every way.

"There are, I know, no words adequate to express the sorrow and devastation which his family are experiencing now.

“Finn will be greatly missed by everyone here who knew him and worked alongside him. Our hearts are with his father Zak, mother Nuala and sister Lily, and with his greater family, his friends, his fellow musicians and all of those people who loved him so much.”

Condolences and tributes to Finn have cascaded in, on RIP.ie and on numerous Facebook pages, where people have been expressing their sorrow and dismay – as well as their deep well of affection. Typical of these was a post from the Donegal Town Community Band, with whom Finn had played.

"It is with great sadness that the members of the Donegal Town Community Band extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our much-loved band member, Finn.

"Finn was a dedicated member of our band, a talented musician, and an outstanding glockenspiel player whose enthusiasm, commitment, and friendship brought so much to our band. An Ulster Champion and All-Ireland Champion, Finn proudly represented the Donegal Town Community Band in the Disneyland Paris parade, creating memories we will always cherish.

"Finn brought music, laughter, and friendship to every rehearsal, performance, and trip. He will be deeply missed by us all, but the wonderful memories we shared will remain with us forever.

"Rest in peace, Finn. Your music and your smile will never be forgotten.”

And so say all of us.